LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – Wage increase for workers in the Bicol region is one of the main topics to be discussed in the upcoming wage consultation meetings set by the Department of Labor and Employment through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in this region.

“The wage consultation is scheduled on a per province basis on separate dates. We urge our fellow Bicolanos to attend this very important event that will directly affect the wages of workers here in the region,” DOLE Bicol regional director and RTWPB chair Atty. Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla said.

The labor and management groups in the respective provinces are invited to participate in the region wide consultation on April this year.

“A public wage consultation is a requisite in determining as to whether or not an increase in the recent minimum wage is needed,” Trayvilla said.

During these consultations, issues regarding intervening factors and its effects on wages are discussed and threshed out by both the labor and management sector along with the government as represented by the RTWPB.

The RTWPB is composed of two (2) representatives from labor and management, chaired by the Regional Director of the DOLE and co-chaired by the Regional Directors of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

DOLE Bicol asst. regional director Rovelinda A. Dela Rosa said that a massive advocacy on the upcoming wage consultation will be done by DOLE Bicol to ensure that all issues on wages will be solicited.

“All sectors are encouraged to attend the series of age consultations and/or submit the sectoral position papers on the wage issue on or before April 3, 2017,” Dela Rosa noted.

In Catanduanes, the wage consultation will be held this April 7, 1 P.M., at the ARDCI Corporate Inn in Virac. (MAL/SAA/DOLE5/PIA5/Albay)